This episode contains strong language.

It was always going to be a tense day in Washington. In the baseless campaign to challenge Joe Biden’s victory, Wednesday had been framed by President Trump and his allies as the moment for a final stand.

But what unfolded was disturbing: A mob, urged on by the president, advanced on the Capitol building as Congress was certifying the election results and eventually breached its walls.

Today, the story of what happened from Times journalists who were inside the Capitol.

Guests: Nicholas Fandos, a national reporter for The New York Times; Jonathan Martin, a national political correspondent for The Times; and Emily Cochrane, a congressional reporter for The Times.

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Background reading:

• Journalists from The Times witnessed the violence and mayhem. Here’s how it unfolded.
• One of the most disturbing aspects of Wednesday’s events was that they could be seen coming. The president himself had all but circled the date.
• Here is an explanation of how the pro-Trump mob managed to storm the Capitol

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily